Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Freight forwarding?

Freight forwarding is a service used by companies that deal in international or multi-national import and export. While the freight forwarder doesn’t actually move the freight itself, it acts as an intermediary between the client and various transportation services. Sending products from one international destination to another can involve a multitude of carriers, requirements and legalities. A freight forwarding service handles the considerable logistics of this task for the client, relieving what would otherwise be a formidable burden.
Freight forwarding services guarantee that products will get to the proper destination by an agreed upon date, and in good condition. The freight forwarding service utilizes established relationships with carriers of all kinds, from air freighters and trucking companies, to rail freighters and ocean liners. Freight forwarding services negotiate the best possible price to move the product along the most economical route by working out various bids and choosing the one that best balances speed, cost and reliability.

A freight forwarding service generally provides one or more estimates to the client along with advisement, when necessary. Considerations that effect price will range from origin and destination to special requirements, such as refrigeration or, for example, transport of potentially hazardous materials. Assuming the client accepts the forwarder’s bid, the freight is readied for shipping. The freight forwarding service then undertakes the responsibility of arranging the transport from point of origin to destination.
One of the many advantages of using freight forwarding is that it handles ancillary services that are a part of the international shipping business. Insurance and customs documentation and clearance are some examples. As a consolidator, a freight forwarding service might also provide Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) documentation, or bills of lading. Warehousing, risk assessment and management, and methods of international payment are also commonly provided to the client by the freight forwarding service.
A good freight forwarding service can save the client untold time and potential headaches while providing reliable transportation of products at competitive rates. A freight forwarding service is an asset to almost any company dealing in international transportation of goods, and is especially helpful when in-house resources are not versed in international shipping procedures.

What do I need to Know About Customs holds and exams?

Mozambique Customs and Border Protection (MCPB) has very broad authority to inspect import shipments, including commercial cargo of any kind. Although MCPB can choose to examine any individual shipment, only a very small percentage of all import shipments are actually selected for an exam.

What happens if a hold is placed on my shipment or it is selected for an exam?

MCBP may place any of several different types of “holds” on an import shipment. This type of “Customs hold” must be removed before the shipment can be released to the importer, even if the shipment has already received a regular MCBP release at the Customs entry level.

What can I do to minimize the possibility that my import shipment will be delayed by Customs?

Provide commercial documents to your Customs broker as early as possible so that they can file entry and provide information to Customs at the earliest appropriate time.

What are some of the destination charges?

There may be airport fees, warehouse fees, custom clearance charges, duty/tax and door delivery charges.
Of course, if your cargo is chosen for custom exam at destination, please prepare to home charges and delays for getting the cargo.

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About Us

Mars Moz Freight and Forward, Lda is a freight forward company based in Beira city, Mozambique, that provides a full-service of cargo handling, warehousing, clearing and delivery in international trade.